Chapter 36 Summary
The night air over the city was thick with the electric hum of distant sirens and the low, restless murmur of hunters gathering at the edge of the newly opened S‑rank dungeon. The portal shimmered like a wound in the sky, a jagged tear that pulsed with a violet light, promising both danger and the promise of untold power. Sung Jin‑Woo stood at the forefront, his eyes narrowed against the glow, the faint outline of his shadow soldiers flickering at his side like a living veil. He could feel the weight of the Hunter Association’s expectations pressing against his shoulders, a silent contract that bound his fate to the countless lives that depended on the raid’s success.
Beside him, Cha Hae‑In moved with the grace of a seasoned hunter, her silver hair catching the portal’s light as she drew her sword. She had always been a mystery to Jin‑Woo, a calm presence that seemed to read the battlefield before anyone else could. Her gaze lingered on the swirling vortex, and for a moment the two shared an unspoken understanding: this raid would be unlike any they had faced before. The S‑rank dungeon was rumored to house a beast of unimaginable strength, a first boss fight that could reshape the hierarchy of hunters and perhaps even alter the very fabric of the shadow realm.
Yoo Jin‑Ho, the charismatic leader of the elite squad, barked orders with a confidence that bordered on bravado. “All right, everyone! Remember your positions! Keep your eyes on the entrance and watch for any sudden ambushes!” He gestured toward the portal, his voice carrying over the clamor of the assembled hunters. The squad’s formation was tight, each member equipped with the latest gear the Hunter Association could provide—a mix of high‑tech weaponry and ancient relics that pulsed with latent energy. Jin‑Woo could sense the anticipation radiating from them, a collective breath held in readiness for the unknown.
The portal’s surface rippled, and a wave of cold wind surged outward, carrying with it a faint, metallic scent that hinted at the presence of ancient machinery and forgotten magic. Jin‑Woo stepped forward, feeling the familiar surge of his own power as the shadow soldiers gathered around him, their forms coalescing into a dark, ethereal army that answered his silent command. He raised his hand, and the shadows responded, forming a protective barrier that shimmered like obsidian glass. The moment felt like a prelude, a calm before the storm that would soon erupt from the depths of the dungeon.
As the group crossed the threshold, the world around them dissolved into a cavernous expanse of black stone and phosphorescent fungi. The air was heavy with a metallic tang, and the faint echo of distant roars reverberated through the tunnels. The walls were etched with ancient runes, their meanings lost to time, but their power still resonated, sending a shiver down Jin‑Woo’s spine. He could feel the presence of the first boss—a colossal creature that seemed to be woven from the very shadows that surrounded them. Its heartbeat was a low, resonant thrum that vibrated through the ground, a warning that the true test had begun.
Cha Hae‑In moved ahead, her sword flashing in the dim light as she cut through the thick vines that clung to the walls. She paused, listening intently, her senses attuned to the subtle shifts in the environment. “There’s something…alive in the darkness,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant growls. Jin‑Woo nodded, his own senses sharpening. He could feel the pull of his shadow soldiers, each one eager to strike, each one bound to his will. The power boost he had felt after his recent level up to 2 surged through his veins, a warm, invigorating current that made his muscles feel like coiled springs ready to unleash.
The first wave of lesser monsters emerged from the shadows—gargantuan, skeletal beasts with eyes that glowed like dying embers. Jin‑Woo’s shadow soldiers surged forward, a tide of darkness that swallowed the enemies whole. Their blades, forged from the essence of the Shadow Monarch’s own power, sliced through bone and flesh with effortless grace. The hunters around him fought with a ferocity born of desperation and determination, their weapons crackling with energy as they struck down the onslaught. Jin‑Woo felt a surge of exhilaration as each enemy fell, the shadows feeding on their life force and growing stronger with each victory.
Yoo Jin‑Ho’s squad moved in perfect synchrony, their attacks coordinated like a well‑rehearsed dance. He shouted encouragements, his voice cutting through the chaos. “Focus on the weak points! Keep the pressure on!” He wielded a high‑frequency blade that sang as it sliced through the air, each strike leaving a trail of luminous after‑image. The hunters’ teamwork was a testament to the rigorous training of the Hunter Association, a blend of raw power and strategic precision that made them a formidable force against the darkness.
The cavern trembled as the first boss revealed itself—a towering, serpentine creature whose scales shimmered with an iridescent sheen, each movement sending ripples of shadow across the floor. Its eyes were twin pits of void, and from its maw emanated a low, guttural roar that seemed to shake the very foundations of the dungeon. The creature’s massive claws scraped the stone, sending shards of rock flying like deadly projectiles. Jin‑Woo felt the weight of the moment settle upon him; this was the trial that would determine whether he could truly ascend beyond his current limits.
Cha Hae‑In lunged forward, her sword arcing in a graceful, deadly curve. She aimed for the creature’s flank, her blade striking a scale with a resonant clang. The impact sent a shockwave of light that briefly illuminated the cavern, revealing the creature’s massive, pulsating heart visible through a gap in its armor. “Aim for the heart!” she shouted, her voice echoing off the stone. Jin‑Woo’s shadow soldiers surged forward, forming a protective barrier around her as she pressed her attack.
The beast retaliated with a ferocious swipe, its claw tearing through the air and sending a gust of wind that threatened to knock the hunters off their feet. Jin‑Woo reacted instinctively, extending his hand and commanding his shadows to rise, forming a shield of darkness that absorbed the impact. The force of the blow reverberated through his body, a reminder of the immense power the creature wielded. He could feel the energy of the Shadow Monarch coursing through his veins, a faint whisper that urged him to push beyond his current limits.
In that instant, Jin‑Woo’s mind flashed with memories of his previous battles, the countless times he had stood alone against overwhelming odds. The level up to 2 had granted him new abilities—a deeper connection to his shadows, a heightened perception of the battlefield, and a surge of raw power that could tip the scales in his favor. He felt the surge of his newfound strength, a power boost that resonated with the very core of his being. With a decisive roar, he unleashed a torrent of shadow energy, a wave that surged forward like a black tide, engulfing the beast’s lower half.
The creature howled, its roar reverberating through the cavern as the shadows tore at its flesh. Its scales cracked, and a spray of dark blood spattered across the stone floor. The hunters seized the opportunity, their attacks becoming a coordinated barrage that hammered the beast from all sides. Yoo Jin‑Ho’s squad focused on the creature’s limbs, each strike aimed at crippling its mobility. Their weapons glowed with a fierce intensity, each blow resonating with the hunters’ resolve.
Cha Hae‑In pressed her attack on the exposed heart, her sword flashing with a brilliance that seemed to pierce the darkness itself. She felt the heat of the creature’s blood against her skin, a reminder of the life force she was draining from the monster. With a final, decisive thrust, she drove her blade deep into the heart, the impact sending a shockwave of light that illuminated the cavern in a blinding flash.
The beast convulsed, its massive form shaking violently as it let out a final, guttural roar that seemed to echo across the entire dungeon. Its body began to disintegrate, the shadows that had once bound it unraveling into a cascade of black particles that drifted upward, merging with Jin‑Woo’s own shadow army. The cavern fell silent, the only sound the ragged breathing of the hunters and the faint, lingering hum of residual energy.
Jin‑Woo lowered his hand, the shadows receding back into the darkness that clung to his soul. He felt a surge of triumph, a rush of adrenaline that coursed through his veins. The first boss fight was over, and the victory felt like a turning point—a moment that would be etched into the annals of the Hunter Association’s history. He glanced at Cha Hae‑In, who stood panting but resolute, her sword still dripping with the creature’s blood. Their eyes met, a silent acknowledgment passing between them: they had faced the abyss together and emerged stronger.
Yoo Jin‑Ho approached, a grin spreading across his face despite the exhaustion evident in his eyes. “That was insane! We actually did it!” he exclaimed, clapping Jin‑Woo on the shoulder. “Your shadows were incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Jin‑Woo gave a modest nod, his thoughts already racing ahead. The power boost he had felt during the battle was more than a temporary surge; it was a sign that the Shadow Monarch’s influence was deepening, that his own potential was expanding beyond what he had imagined.
The hunters began to gather the spoils of their victory—rare artifacts, shards of the creature’s scales, and the lingering essence of the shadow energy that still pulsed faintly in the air. Jin‑Woo’s shadow soldiers hovered nearby, their forms shimmering as they collected the remnants of the battle. He felt a strange, comforting presence within them, a whisper of gratitude that seemed to echo from the very core of the Shadow Monarch’s being.
As the group prepared to exit the dungeon, the portal behind them flickered, a reminder that the world beyond was still fraught with danger. The Hunter Association would soon dispatch reports of the raid, and the news would spread like wildfire across the hunter community. Rumors would circulate about the first boss fight, about the power boost Jin‑Woo had displayed, and about the potential of the S‑rank dungeon to reshape the balance of power. The analysis of the raid would become a topic of heated discussion among scholars and strategists, each trying to decipher the implications of the battle.
Jin‑Woo walked forward, his steps measured and deliberate. He could feel the lingering resonance of the Shadow Monarch’s power within him, a subtle hum that promised further growth. The level up to 2 had opened new doors, but he knew that the path ahead would be fraught with even greater challenges. The next raid would demand more than just raw strength; it would require strategy, unity, and an unyielding will to push beyond the limits of humanity.
Cha Hae‑In fell into step beside him, her presence a steadying force. “We’ve proven we can handle an S‑rank dungeon,” she said quietly, her voice carrying a hint of admiration. “But there are more dungeons, more monsters, and more secrets waiting for us.” Jin‑Woo nodded, his mind already turning over the possibilities. The Shadow Monarch’s influence was growing, and with each battle, his connection to the shadows deepened. He could sense the potential for a new evolution—a transformation that could elevate him beyond the confines of a mere hunter.
Yoo Jin‑Ho, ever the charismatic leader, clapped both of them on the back. “Let’s bring this back to the Association. They’ll want to know everything—every detail, every tactic, every clue about the next raid.” He laughed, a sound that cut through the lingering tension. “And maybe we’ll finally get that power boost we’ve been hearing about.” Jin‑Woo smiled faintly, aware that the hunters’ thirst for power was both a blessing and a curse. Their ambition drove them forward, but it also risked drawing them into a vortex of endless conflict.
The portal’s glow intensified, signaling the end of their stay within the dungeon’s depths. The hunters stepped through, emerging back into the night sky, the city’s lights flickering like distant stars. The air felt fresher, the night less oppressive, as if the world itself exhaled after the battle. Jin‑Woo looked up at the sky, his thoughts drifting to the Shadow Monarch, to the endless possibilities that lay ahead. He felt a surge of determination, a resolve to master the shadows, to become the hunter who could stand at the apex of power.
In the days that followed, the Hunter Association convened an emergency meeting. Reports of the raid flooded in, each account painting a vivid picture of the battle’s intensity. The analysis of the first boss fight became a focal point, with strategists dissecting every move, every use of shadow soldiers, every moment of the power boost that Jin‑Woo had exhibited. The discussion turned to the implications of the level up to 2, and how it could affect future raids. The association’s leaders recognized that the S‑rank dungeon had revealed a new tier of threat, one that required a coordinated response from the most elite hunters.
Jin‑Woo found himself at the center of this storm, his name whispered in corridors and shouted in taverns. Fans of the Solo Leveling series searched online, eager to read Solo Leveling chapter 36 online, to uncover spoilers, to compare translations, and to dissect every nuance of the battle. The chapter’s impact rippled through the community, sparking debates about the Shadow Monarch’s true intentions and the future of the hunters. Jin‑Woo, however, remained focused on the path ahead, his eyes set on the next challenge.
He spent hours training, honing his connection with his shadow soldiers, pushing the limits of his newfound abilities. The power boost he had felt during the raid was not a fleeting surge; it was a glimpse of the potential that lay dormant within him. He experimented with new techniques, learning to summon larger numbers of shadows, to command them with greater precision, and to channel their energy into devastating attacks. Each session left him exhausted but invigorated, a testament to his relentless drive.
Cha Hae‑In joined him in these sessions, their training becoming a synchronized dance of steel and shadow. She taught him the subtleties of swordplay against overwhelming darkness, while he showed her how to harness the shadows to augment her own attacks. Their bond deepened, forged in the crucible of battle and tempered by mutual respect. Together, they formed a formidable duo, capable of taking on the most terrifying of monsters.
Yoo Jin‑Ho, ever the strategist, began mapping out potential future raids. He studied the layout of the S‑rank dungeon, noting the locations of hidden chambers, the patterns of the creature’s attacks, and the distribution of the shadow energy that lingered after the battle. He compiled a dossier for the Hunter Association, outlining the strengths and weaknesses of the dungeon’s ecosystem, and proposing a coordinated plan for the next incursion. His enthusiasm was contagious, and the hunters rallied around his vision.
The Shadow Monarch, ever watchful, seemed to respond to Jin‑Woo’s growth. The shadows that obeyed him grew more cohesive, their forms sharper, their attacks more lethal. Jin‑Woo sensed a subtle shift in the balance of power, a whisper that promised even greater transformations. He felt the Monarch’s presence like a pulse beneath his skin, a reminder that his destiny was intertwined with the darkness he commanded.
Weeks turned into months, and the hunters prepared for the next raid. The Hunter Association announced a joint operation, inviting elite hunters from across the continent to converge on the S‑rank dungeon for a coordinated assault. The news spread like wildfire, and the anticipation was palpable. The promise of a power boost, the allure of new artifacts, and the chance to confront the Shadow Monarch’s influence drew hunters from far and wide.
On the day of the raid, the portal opened once more, its violet light cutting through the morning mist. Jin‑Woo stood at the threshold, his shadow soldiers gathered like a living armor around him. Cha Hae‑In stood beside him, her sword gleaming with a faint, ethereal light. Yoo Jin‑Ho led the assembled hunters, his voice resonating with confidence. The air crackled with energy, the promise of battle hanging heavy.
As they stepped into the darkness, the cavern greeted them with an ominous silence. The walls seemed to pulse with a faint, rhythmic glow, as if the dungeon itself were alive, watching their every move. Jin‑Woo felt the familiar surge of the Shadow Monarch’s power, a comforting presence that steadied his nerves. He knew that this raid would be more than a test of strength; it would be a trial of unity, strategy, and the unbreakable will to push beyond the limits of humanity.
The first wave of monsters emerged, more ferocious than before, their eyes burning with a malevolent intelligence. Jin‑Woo’s shadow soldiers surged forward, their blades cutting through the darkness with lethal precision. Cha Hae‑In’s sword danced, each strike a blur of silver light that sliced through the enemy ranks. Yoo Jin‑Ho coordinated the hunters, his commands sharp and decisive, turning the chaos into a symphony of coordinated attacks.
The battle raged on, each moment a blur of motion and sound. Jin‑Woo felt the power boost intensify, his connection to the shadows deepening with each strike. He could sense the Shadow Monarch’s approval, a silent nod that encouraged him to push further, to unleash the full extent of his abilities. The hunters fought as one, their unity a shield against the overwhelming darkness
